Abstract

For consumers with a long-term indication for warfarin, patient self-monitoring (PSM) of warfarin therapy has emerged as the
gold standard of care for those willing and able to perform it. The benefits of PSM have now been well established in several
countries and include a greater proportion of time spent in the INR therapeutic range, a reduction in the number of haemorrhagic
and thromboembolic events, reduced mortality, improved warfarin knowledge and improved quality of life. Portable INR monitors
are readily available and are becoming less expensive and easier to use. Community pharmacists are well placed to promote
and facilitate PSM for interested consumers, and provide support for those who are self-monitoring.